The three-day event in the Qatari capital was aimed at fostering inter-governmental collaboration in the field of aerodrome certification and aviation safety.

The Task Force meeting brought together operational and safety experts from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, as well as from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US-based Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Discussions and working papers centred on aerodrome certification requirements for airports in the region, and processes and implementation of the mandates, in addition to future work programmes.

Doha International Airport (DIA) and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority have jointly undertaken a very intense aerodrome certification process, and are preparing for the opening of Qatar’s brand new Hamad International Airport this year.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who is also CEO of Doha International Airport, opened the proceedings with a welcome speech during which he said the country was looking forward to moving to Hamad International Airport this year.

He also highlighted that safety remained the topmost priority for the aviation industry – airlines and airports – and relayed the message that all related parties must work collectively for the benefit of the industry to ensure safety is paramount.

“EASA is leading by example of how effective multiple governments, together with the airport industry, can collectively put together their combined experience and expertise in the interest of enhancing aviation safety,” he told delegates.

“EASA has worked in close collaboration with the national safety regulators of more than 30 European states, also with representatives of the aviation industry in our region to develop a new common aerodrome regulatory framework that will come into effect in Europe by 2014, and will also be shared with the Middle East at this time.”

He also said that at the heart of DIA’s efforts was the establishment of a robust Safety Management System, which is well integrated with the structure of the Qatar Airways Group and will transfer to Hamad International.

Notes to Editors:

Doha International Airport, which currently handles more than 21.1 million passengers a year, has undergone a dramatic change over the past three years, virtually doubling in size to cope with the huge demand for air travel to and from Qatar, spearheaded by the huge infrastructure improvements taking place in the country.

Hamad International Airport is the world’s newest aviation hub, a world-class facility that is set to exceed expectations and redefine the passenger and transit experience.

Positioned at the edge of the Arabian Gulf, Hamad International Airport’s tranquil waterside setting provides a perfect backdrop for its stylish architectural elements, underpinned by advanced airport systems. Featuring two runways, among the longest in the world, a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower, a stunning passenger terminal with a design capacity of 28 million passengers per year, over 28,000 square metres of retail and food & beverage facilities and a uniquely shaped public mosque, these are some key aspects of the modern airport complex. For more information about Doha International Airport or Hamad International Airport, please visit www.dohaairport.com